Sue Burchfield Bagwell

Sue Burchfield Bagwell, wife, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on the morning of June 21st, surrounded by family and dear friends, one month before celebrating her 90th birthday party which she eagerly planned.

Sue grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee where she met her lifetime love, Ross Bagwell in 7th grade. She was a cheerleader at Old Knoxville High School and sweetheart of the Esquires. Sue and Ross married in 1951 at the age of 19. She cherished many lifelong friends, especially Sue Walker and Ann Warwick.

Sue was known for her bubbly personality and unique approach to life. She was clever, spunky, funny, and charming. Sue believed she was always right. She loved to spend her time painting, playing tennis, traveling to Florida, and cheering on the Tennessee Vols. More than anything, Sue loved her family, and was especially proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, Naomi and Ed Burchfield; her son, Ross Kennedy Bagwell Jr.; her sister, Rhea Copeland and her brother-in-law, Dr. Dewey Thomas.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Ross Kennedy Bagwell; daughter Dee Haslam and son-in-law Jimmy; grandchildren, James Bagwell Haslam, Whitney Haslam Johnson and her husband JW, Cynthia Haslam Arnholt and her husband David; great grandchildren, Jack, Susan and James Arnholt, Hank, Ross and Max Johnson, and her sister Joan Burchfield Thomas as well as her wonderful nieces and nephew.

The family is grateful to Shelia Sexton and Etra Helms for their dedication, grace, and friendship throughout Sue’s illness. Sue loved them both like her daughters.

A memorial graveside service will be held for family and friends at Highland Memorial Cemetery, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, on Saturday, June 25th at 10:00a.m. Receiving of friends and celebration of life will be held at Cherokee Country Club from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to University of Tennessee Medical Center Pastoral Care, 1924 Alcoa Hwy, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Bagwell family.